Little bird steals the show at Sanders rally in hip Portland

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., smiles as a bird lands on his podium as he speaks during a rally at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore., Friday, March 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

PORTLAND, Ore. – A little bird stole the show at Bernie Sanders' rally in Portland, and gave new meaning to a phrase made popular by the TV show "Portlandia" — "put a bird on it."

The Democratic candidate smiled and the audience of more than 10,000 went wild when a tiny bird joined Sanders at the podium on Friday.

Without losing a beat, the Vermont senator said even though it didn't look like a dove, it must have been one that came to ask for world peace.

The video of Sanders and his feathered friend went viral on social media, with the hashtag #BirdieSanders.

The phrase "put a bird on it" is a line that was used in the TV show "Portlandia" as a reflection of the city's quirky ways.